Low pressure rhodium catalyzed hydroformylation of olefins

ABSTRACT

The hydroformylation of olefins with rhodium complex catalysts is described. The catalysts employed comprises a rhodium complex with at least one phosphine having a specified structure, e.g., tris(benzyl)phosphine. Preferred phosphines have a pKa in the range of about 3.5 up to 5.3 and a cone angle in the range of about 160° up to 195°. Hydroformylation reactions at relatively low temperatures and pressure and yet with high rates of reaction and high selectivity to aldehyde product are obtained by the practice of the present invention.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 83,330 filed on Aug. 10, 1987 now abandoned.

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to the rhodium catalyzed hydroformylatin of olefins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known in the art to convert olefins to aldehydes having one additional carbon atom by contacting the olefin with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst based on cobalt or rhodium metal. Rhodium-based catalysts have the advantage, relative to cobalt-based catalysts, of being able to promote the hydroformylation of olefins under less severe operating conditions.

One disadvantage of prior art rhodium-based catalysts is the propensity of such materials to lose activity over a period of time as a result, for example, of ligand decomposition. Triaryl phosphines, for example, are prone to conversion into alkyl diaryl phosphines under hydroformylation reaction conditions. These alkyl diaryl phosphines as rhodium ligands give lower activity catalysts compared to the triaryl phosphines.

Another disadvantage of prior art rhodium-based catalysts is the fact that not all rhodium salts are suitable starting materials for the preparation of rhodium complexes. For example, it is frequently observed that a several hour induction period is required to transform the rhodium complexes into active hydroformylation catalysts. This problem is particularly acute when halide containing compounds of rhodium are employed for the preparation of rhodium complexes.

Yet another disadvantage of rhodium-based catalyst systems is the high cost of the rhodium metal employed for catalyst preparation. Where one employs low levels of rhodium metal in order to reduce catalyst costs, low reaction rates frequently result.

There is, therefore, a continuing need in the field for high activity, high selectivity rhodium-based hydroformylation catalyst systems. Especially desirable would be high activity catalyst systems which can be controlled to produce a wide range of product ratios of normal/branched chain aldehyde products. Prior art rhodium-based hydroformylation catalyst systems typically lack such flexibility as they are only capable of producing very narrow normal/branched chain product ratios while at the same time retaining high catalyst activity. Efforts to vary the normal/branched chain product ratio significantly from that which a particular catalyst can inherently produce typically results in dramatically reduced catalyst activity.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention, therefore, is a method for the rhodium-promoted hydroformylation of olefins to produce aldehydes in high yield and at a high rate of conversion.

Another object of the present invention is a method for the rhodium-promoted hydroformylation of olefins to produce aldehydes in a highly selective reaction, i.e., with very low levels of by-products formation.

Yet another object of the present invention is a rhodium complex catalyst which remains stable and soluble for extended periods of time under hydroformylation conditions.

Still another object of the present invention is a method for the rhodium-promoted hydroformylation of olefins employing low levels of rhodium and low levels of ligand for the rhodium catalyst.

A further object of the present invention is a method for the rhodium-promoted hydroformylation of olefins wherein the ratio of normal/branched chain aldehyde products can be varied within a wide range while retaining a high level of catalyst activity.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from inspection of the detailed description and appended claims.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, we have discovered high selectivity, high activity rhodium catalysts for use in the hydroformylation of olefins. High yields of hydroformylation products are obtained with very low levels of undesired by-products. These novel catalysts allow the hydroformylation of olefins to be carried out at low pressures with relatively low levels of rhodium catalyst and ligand therefor. In addition, the invention catalysts provide one with a great deal of control over the hydroformylation reaction due to the sensitivity of rhodium catalyst activity and selectivity (with respect to normal/branched chain ratios) to reaction conditions of temperature and H₂ /CO ratios, as well as the quantity of ligand employed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, we have discovered a class of hydroformylation reaction catalysts which give high yield of hydroformylation product with high sensitivity. Such reactions are promoted by soluble rhodium catalysts complexed with phosphine ligands having the following generic formula ##STR1## wherein Ar is an aromatic ring having 6-14 carbon atoms, e.g., phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthryl and anthracenyl;

each Z is independently:

a C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radical or substituted alkyl radical;

a C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radical or substituted aryl radical;

a C₇ up to C₁₂ alkaryl or aralkyl radicals or substituted alkaryl or aralkyl radicals;

a halogen (except Cl, Br or I in the ortho position);

--OR or --CO₂ R, wherein R is Z;

and wherein x is a whole number which varies in the range of 0 up to 4 when Ar is phenyl, 0 up to 6 when Ar is naphthyl and 0 up to 8 when Ar is phenanthryl or anthracenyl.

Exemplary compounds which satisfy this generic formula include:

tribenzyl phosphine,

tris(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)phosphine,

tris(m-chlorobenzyl)phosphine,

tris(p-chlorobenzyl)phosphine,

tris(o-fluorobenzyl)phosphine,

tris(m-fluorobenzyl)phosphine,

tris(p-methoxybenzyl)phosphine,

tris(m-methoxybenzyl)phosphine,

tris(m-methylbenzyl)phosphine,

tris(p-methylbenzyl)phosphine,

tris(p-tert-butylbenzyl)phosphine,

tris([3,4]-benzobenzyl)phosphine, and

tris(p-fluorobenzyl)phosphine.

Preferred phosphines are those which have a C₃ axis of symmetry, i.e., symmetrical triorgano-substituted phosphines. Such materials are preferred because they are readily prepared and readily purified. Purified phosphine is highly desirable because such materials facilitate the preparation of high activity rhodium-based catalysts.

The most preferred phosphines contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention are phosphines which have a pKa within the range of about 3.5 up to 5.3 and a cone angle within the range of about 160° up to 195°.

The pKa of phosphines is a measurement of the degree of reaction for the incomplete chemical reaction between the proton acceptor (phosphine) and a proton donor. The pKa is used as a measure of the relative basicities of the organophosphorus compounds. The term "pKa" is defined as the negative logarithm (to the base 10) of the equilibrium constant, Ka, for the proton acceptor-proton donor interaction referred to above. The stronger the base, the larger its pKa; for example, the pKa for the equilibrium between sulfuric acid, its conjugate base, the bisulfate ion, is about -3.0; the pKa for the equilibrium between acetic acid and its conjugate base, the acetate ion, is 4.76; and the pKa for the equilibrium between boric acid and its conjugate base, monobasic borate ion, is 9.24. Of the above examples, the monobasic borate ion, with the highest pKa value, is the strongest base.

The pKa values for numerous substituted phosphines have been measured and are reported by Streuli in Anal. Chem. 32, pp. 985-987 (1960). Those of skill in the art are aware of numerous methods by which pKa values can be determined, such as for example, non-aqueous titrimetry in nitromethane solvent, titration of solutions in mixed water methanol solvent systems, anhydrous acetic acid, acetic anhydride/toluene mixtures, acetic anhydride/dioxane mixtures, and the like.

The cone angle is a measure of the steric properties of the phosphine. In general terms, the cone angle is the smallest angle of a cone (with its apex at a specified point in the phosphine moiety) which would contain all of the hydrocarbyl groups attached to the phosphorus atom. A detailed discussion of cone angle measurements and the significance thereof can be found in Chem. Reviews, 77, 313-348 (1977), in the article by Chadwick Tolman entitled "Steric Effects of Phosphorus Ligands in Organometallic Chemistry and Homogeneous Catalysis", to which article those of skill in the art are directed for more detail.

Many sources of rhodium can be used as the rhodium component for preparation of the catalyst of the invention, provided that the source of rhodium employed can be converted into soluble carbonyl-ligand complexes of rhodium. Suitable rhodium compounds include:

rhodium (I) dicarbonyl acetonylacetonates,

rhodium (II) 2-ethyl hexanoate,

rhodium (II) acetate,

rhodium (0) carbonyls (e.g., Rh₆ (CO)₁₆, Rh₄ (CO)₁₂),

HRh(CO)(Ph₃ P)₃,

as well as mixtures of any two or more thereof.

It is preferred that non-halogen containing rhodium compounds be used to avoid problems of low catalyst activity caused by the presence of residual halide, to avoid the corrosive effects of residual halide ions, and the like. In addition, salts of strong mineral acids are undesirable sources of rhodium because these compounds release acids which are detrimental to rhodium catalyst activity under hydroformylation condition.

We have found rhodium 2-ethylhexanoate to be a particularly preferred source of rhodium from which to prepare the complex catalyst of the invention because it is a convenient source of soluble rhodium, as it can be efficiently prepared from inorganic rhodium salts such as rhodium halides.

No special provisions are required for the preparation of the catalyst employed in the practice of the present invention, although it is preferred, for high catalyst activity, that all manipulations of the rhodium and phosphine components be carried out under an inert atmosphere, e.g., N₂, Ar, and the like. The desired quantities of a suitable rhodium compound and ligand are charged to the reactor in a suitable solvent. The sequence in which the various catalyst components are charged to the reactor is not critical. Thus, the rhodium component can be added to the reactor, then the phosphine component; or conversely, the phosphine component can be added to the reactor, then the rhodium component; or, alternatively, the preformed rhodium-phosphine complex can be charged to the reactor.

Suitable solvents, if one chooses to use solvent in the practice of the invention, include those which do not adversely affect the hydroformylation process and which are inert with respect to the catalyst, olefin, hydrogen and carbon monoxide feeds as well as the hydroformylation products. Inert solvents of this nature are well known to those of skill in the art and include such solvents as benzene, xylene, toluene, as well as their substituted derivatives; pentanes, naphtha, kerosene, mineral oils, cyclohexane, cyclopentane, ethers, esters, etheresters, alcohols, acetals, ketones, as well as various mixtures thereof. Preferred solvents are those which are sufficiently high boiling to remain, for the most part, in a gas sparged reactor, and include such compounds as 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentane diol monoisobutyrate (TMPDMI; available from the Eastman Chemicals Division of Eastman Kodak Company as Texanol® solvent), and its isomers, as well as the by-products of the hydroformylation reaction, such as alcohols, esters, acetals and hydroxyaldehydes which are retained as high boiling liquids at the bottom of subsequent distillation columns.

The catalyst produced by employing the above-described starting materials and procedure is believed to consist primarily of compounds of the structure: ##STR2## wherein Ar is an aromatic ring having 6-14 carbon atoms, e.g., phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthryl and anthracenyl;

each Z is independently:

a C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radical or substituted alkyl radical;

a C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radical or substituted aryl radical;

a C₇ up to C₁₂ alkaryl or aralkyl radical or substituted alkaryl or aralkyl radical; halogen (except Cl, Br or I in the ortho position);

--OR or --CO₂ R, wherein R is Z;

wherein x is a whole number which varies in the range of 0 up to 4 when Ar is phenyl, 0 up to 6 when Ar is naphthyl and 0 up to 8 when Ar is phenanthryl or anthracenyl;

and wherein z is a whole number which varies in the range of 0 up to 3.

The process of the present invention can be carried out with widely varied amounts of rhodium. For example, amounts of catalyst containing as little as about 1×10⁻⁶ moles of rhodium (calculated based on rhodium metal) per mole of olefin in the reactor zone can be employed. Such low catalyst concentrations are not generally commercially desirable since the reaction rates are frequently rather low. There is no upper limit as to operable catalyst concentrations, but such upper limit is generally determined by the high cost of rhodium metal and the fact that no advantage is generally obtained with catalyst amounts greater than about 1×10⁻¹ moles of rhodium per mole of olefin in the reactor zone. Concentrations in the range of about 1×10⁻⁵ moles to about 5×10⁻² moles of rhodium per mole of olefin is preferred. Rhodium concentrations in the range of about 1×10⁻⁴ up to 1×10⁻² are most preferred because most efficient utilization of rhodium is obtained while the cost of the rhodium component is maintained within a commercially reasonable amount.

The molar ratios of phosphine to rhodium can vary over a wide range. Typically, the phosphine to rhodium ratio will vary within the range of about 2 up to 50. Preferably the molar ratio of phosphine to rhodium will vary within the range of 3 up to 30. In a most preferred embodiment, the molar ratio of phosphine to rhodium will vary within the range of about 6 up to 20. A particular advantage of the practice of the present invention is the fact that both catalyst activity and the ratio of normal to branched chain aldehyde products can be controlled by varying the phosphorus to rhodium ratio employed. For example, as higher ratios of phosphine to rhodium are employed, selectivity to the normal isomer (relative to the branched chain isomer) increases, while the reaction rate decreases.

Olefins contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention include straight or branched chain alpha-olefins containing in the range of 2 up to 20 carbon atoms and non-conjugated polyolefin, e.g., polybutadiene, with each of the above optionally containing groups or substituents which do not interfere with the hydroformylation process.

Substituted derivatives of such olefins and non-conjugated polyolefins are selected from the group consisting of:

alcohols of the structure: ##STR3## wherein each R' is independently selected from H, C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radicals or substituted alkyl radicals, and C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radicals or substituted aryl radicals; and x is a whole number between 1 and 20;

compounds of the structure: ##STR4## wherein R' is as defined above; R" is C₁ up to C₂₀ alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl or acyl radical, and y is a whole number of 0 up to 20;

esters of the structure: ##STR5## wherein R' is as defined above; R"' is a C₁ up to C₂₀ alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl radical; and x is a whole number from 1 up to 20;

acetals and ketals of the structure: ##STR6## wherein R' is as defined above; each R^(iv) is defined as in R', plus, the two R^(iv) groups may be joined together to form a cyclic acetal or ketal; and x is a whole number from 1 up to 20;

sulfides of the structure: ##STR7## wherein R' and R" are as previously defined; and y is a whole number from 0 up to 20; and

amides of the structure: ##STR8## wherein R', R"', and y are as previously defined.

Exemplary alpha-olefins suitable for use in the practice of the present invention are ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-methylpropylene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 2-ethyl-1-hexene, 1-dodecene and 1-octadecene. Also useful in the practice of the present invention are the internal olefins such as 2-butene and cyclic olefins such as cyclooctene. If desired, mixtures of olefins, particularly ethylene and propylene, can also be fed to the reactor.

Preferred olefins employed in the practice of the present invention contain in the range of 2 up to 10 carbon atoms, with olefins containing in the range of 2 up to 4 carbon atoms being preferred.

The process of the present invention can be carried out in any suitable reaction vessel. Suitable reaction vessels include gas sparged reactors, liquid overflow reactors, stirred tank reactors, trickle bed reactors, and the like, as are known to those of skill in the art.

A presently preferred reactor for carrying out the process of the present invention with low boiling products is a gas sparged reactor such that the catalyst does not leave the reaction zone with the aldehyde product which is taken overhead by unreacted gases. For higher boiling products, a liquid overflow type of reactor may be more appropriate to facilitate product handling and recovery.

With a gas sparged reactor, the overhead gases are chilled in a vapor liquid separator to condense out the aldehyde product, with the gases being recycled to the reactor while the liquid product is let down to atmospheric pressure for separation and purification by conventional means. A side draw from the reactor can optionally be provided for more complete product distillation. Small amounts of catalyst are withdrawn from the reactor along with the side draw of reaction medium. Following product recovery, the catalyst can optionally be subjected to appropriate regeneration treatment before being returned to the reactor, following the addition of make-up ligand thereto.

The process of the present invention is carried out at temperatures in the range of about 0 up to 190° C. Temperatures in the range of about 50 up to 150° C. are preferred, with temperature in the range of 75° up to 125° C. being most preferred because reactions at such temperature give excellent rate of reaction with minimum catalyst deactivation.

Pressures in the range of about 15 up to 500 psia are typically employed for the hydroformylation reaction. Preferably, reaction pressure in the range of about 100 up to 450 psia are employed, with reaction pressures in the range of about 150 up to 250 psia being most preferred because economically attractive reaction rates are obtained at these relatively low reaction pressures, which in turn reduces the cost of reaction equipment, the need for added compressor capacity, gas recycle, etc.

Hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratios in the reaction zone can vary over a wide range. Typically, hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratios of about 0.5:1 up to 10:1 will be employed. Hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratios in the range of about 1:1 up to 6:1 are preferred, with ratios in the range of about 1.1:1 up to 5:1 being most preferred because high catalyst activity is obtained with minimum by-product formation when reaction is carried out at such ratios.

Contact times employed in the practice of the present invention can vary over a wide range. Reactant residence times in the range of seconds up to hours are operable. In terms of total gas flows, reactant space velocities typically fall in the range of 1 up to 1000 standard cubic feed per minute per cubic foot of catalyst (SCFM). Preferably, reactant space velocities in the range of 25 up to 200 SCFM are employed, with reactant space velocities in the range of 50 up to 125 SCFM being most preferred because at such space velocities, with relatively low molecular weight products such as butyraldehyde, a desirable balance is achieved between product production rate and fluid levels in the reaction vessel. At lower gas flow rates, the rate of reaction is limited by the level of reactant gas present in the reaction zone, while at higher gas flow rates, the reactor contents tend to be removed from the vessel faster than the rate of formation of additional product. The preferred gas flow rate with any given olefin feed will be a function of the total reactor pressure, reaction temperature, product production rate, and the like.

It is preferred that the reagents employed for the invention hydroformylation process be substantially free of materials which may reduce catalyst activity or completely deactivate the catalyst. Thus, such materials as conjugated dienes, acetylenes, mercaptans, mineral acids, halogenated organic compounds, and free oxygen should generally be excluded from the reaction. It is of note that no special precautions regarding the exclusion of water need be taken, as small amounts of water have not been found to be detrimental to the invention hydroformylation process.

The invention will now be illustrated further by reference to the following non-limiting examples.

The reactor employed for the hydroformylation reaction described in the Examples consists of a vertically held stainless steel 4 foot by 1 inch (inside diameter) tube having a stainless steel filter element welded into its side near the bottom. The bottom of the tube has a drain valve and the top has a side port through which the vaporized products and unreacted gases leave the reactor. The top end of the tube is provided with a screwed plug which can be removed for charging the catalyst and which contains a thermowell whereby the temperature of the catalyst solution (reaction medium) in the reactor is measured accurately. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide are fed to the reactor from cylinders via pressure regulators and flow controllers which use differential pressure cells and air actuated flow control valves to maintain precise flow. A third feed of nitrogen from a cylinder goes to the reactor via a pressure regulator and rotameter with needle valve. The carbon monoxide passes through a heated commercial "deoxo" unit as marketed by Engelhard Industries, Division, Engelhard Minerals and Chemicals Corp. Newark, N.J., to remove oxygen impurities. The nitrogen admixed with hydrogen pass through a similar "deoxo" unit before entering the reactor. Propylene is fed as a liquid to a preheater section or plenum chamber, where it is combined with the other feed gases and is vaporized prior to entering the reactor via the stainless steel filter element. The propylene feed rate is measured using rate-of-level drop in a tank containing liquid propylene using an armored rotameter with a needle valve to control the liquid propylene feed rate.

In operation, the catalyst is contained as a solution in the lower portion of the reactor tube and the reactant gases are sparged up through the solution as bubbles emanating from the filter element. Product butyraldehyde is formed in the catalyst solution where it accumulates and eventually is removed as a vapor by vapor/liquid equilibration with unreacted gases. This type of reactor is known as a vapor take-off or vapor stripped reactor. The hot gases are cooled upon leaving the reactor through said side port and the butyraldehyde product, along with some unreacted propylene, collects in a cooled high pressure spearator connected by suitable conduit means to said side port. The noncondensed gases are let down to atmospheric pressure via a back pressure regulator which controls the reactor pressure. Additional butyraldehyde is condensed out of the atmospheric pressure gas stream by passing it through a series of three dry ice traps. Once an hour the contents of the high pressure separator and dry ice traps are collected and combined. The weight of butyraldehyde product obtained during the hour and its n/iso ratio are calculated using standard gas/liquid chromatographic techniques in combination with the crude weight of the product collected. In practice, approximately one hour is required for this bench unit to reach steady state production rates where catalyst activity and n/iso product ratio remain substantially constant.

EXAMPLE 1 Demonstration of Catalyst Stability

A catalyst charge comprised of 0.044 gram of rhodium (as rhodium 2-ethylhexanoate) and 1.35 grams of tribenzylphosphine dissovled in 0.175 liter 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate was charged to the reactor system described above. The reactor was maintained under the following conditions:

Experimental Conditions:

H₂ /CO ratio--1:1

H₂ flow rate--2.5 liters/min.

CO flow rate--2.5 liters/min.

Propylene gas flow--1.92 liters/min. (at STP).

Total reaction pressure--200 psig.

Reaction temperature--120° C.

The reactor was operated continuously for 9 days under the condition set forth above. After a line-out period of 48 hours during which the catalyst activity steadily increased, the catalyst produced aldehydes with a normal to branched isomer ratio of 1.65 to 1.69 at a production rate of 5.62 to 5.90 pounds of butyraldehyde per gram of rhodium per hour (lb. HBu/g-Rh-hr.). There was no detectable change in production rate or isomer distribution after the 48-hr. line-out period.

At the end of the ninth day, an additional 2.90 grams of tribenzylphosphine was added to the catalyst. The normal to branched isomer ratio increased to 1.85 while the production rate declined to 3.23 to 3.51 (lb. HBu/g-Rh-hr.). The reaction was continued for an additional 3 days during which no further changes in isomer distribution or production rate were observed. The recovered catalyst was light yellow liquid, free of any solids.

EXAMPLE 2 Effect of Varying Carbon Monoxide Partial Pressure

A catalyst charge comprised of 12 mg of rhodium (as rhodium 2-ethylhexanoate) and 1.24 grams of tribenzylphosphine dissolved in 0.175 liter of Texanol® was charged to the reactor system described above. The reactor was maintained at 110° C. and operated continuously for seven hours. The reaction was conducted in the same manner as set forth in Example 1, except that the H₂ /CO ratio was changed as noted in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Effects of Varying H.sub.2 /CO Ratio in Synthesis                              Gas Feed - (Example 2)                                                               H.sub.2 /CO                                                                             Total Synthesis                                                       Mole     Gas Feed,   C.sub.3 H.sub.6 Feed,                               Hour  Ratio    1/min at STP                                                                               moles/hr N/I Ratio                                  ______________________________________                                         1     1.0      5.0         5.15     1.76                                       2     1.0      5.0         5.15     1.88                                       3     1.0      5.0         5.15     1.91                                       4     1.0      5.0         5.15     1.91                                       5     1.5      5.0         5.15     1.94                                       6     1.5      5.0         5.15     1.94                                       7     2.0      5.0         5.15     2.01                                       ______________________________________                                    

The results set forth above demonstrate that the normal/iso (or branched) ratio for product aldehyde is increased by greater than 10% by merely increasing the H₂ /CO ratio.

EXAMPLE 3 Effect of Temperature on n/iso Product Ratios

A catalyst charge comprised of 31.25 mg of rhodium (as rhodium 2-ethylhexanoate) and 1.69 grams of tribenzylphosphine dissolved in 0.2 liter of Texanol® solvent was charged to the reactor system described above. The reactor was maintained at temperature in the range of about 100° up to 135° C., as noted in Table 2, and operated continuously for seven hours. The reaction was conducted according to the general procedure set forth above. Operating parameters and reaction results are set forth in Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Effect of Temperature on n/iso Ratio with                                      Rhodium-Tribenzylphosphine Catalyst                                            ______________________________________                                         Average             Intrinsic                                                  Reactor             Activity,   Free Ligand                                    Temperature,        lbs HBu/gRh-                                                                               Conc.                                          °C. N/I      hour        mmole/liter                                    ______________________________________                                         100.1      1.83     3.20        19.58                                          110.0      1.74     4.88        20.72                                          115.0      1.68     6.42        20.15                                          119.0      1.60     7.41        19.70                                          125.6      1.54     8.30        20.52                                          129.8      1.46     8.41        20.92                                          134.7      1.38     8.90        20.18                                          ______________________________________                                         Experimental Conditions                                                                         Partial Pressures in Feed                                     ______________________________________                                         Rhodium Conc.                                                                             140 ppm   Hydrogen      96 psia                                     Total Pressure                                                                            260 psig  Carbon Monoxide                                                                              96 psia                                                          Propylene     55 psia                                                          Nitrogen      22.5 psia                                   Total reactor feed - 9.6 liters/min @ STP                                      ______________________________________                                    

The above data demonstrate that varying reaction temperature is an effective way to control the normal/iso product ratio. An increase in the normal/iso ratio of greater than 30% is observed with a variation in reaction temperature of less than 35° C.

EXAMPLE 4 Efeect of Ligand Concentration on n/iso Ratio with Rhodium-Tribenzylphosphine Catalyst

A catalyst charge comprised of 31.25 mg of rhodium (as rhodium 2-ethylhexanoate) and varying amounts of tribenzylphosphine (as noted in Table 3) dissolved in 0.2 liter of Texanol® solvent was charged to the reactor system described above. The reactor was maintained at 125° C. and operated continuously for seven hours. The reaction was conducted according to the general procedure set forth above. Operating parameters and reaction results are set forth in Table 3.

    ______________________________________                                         Effect of Ligand Concentration on                                              n/iso Ratios with Rhodium-                                                     Tribenzylphosphine Catalysts                                                   ______________________________________                                                                  Intrinsic                                             Free Ligand Conc.                                                                               N/I     Activity                                              mmol per liter   Ratio   lbs HBu/gRh-h                                         ______________________________________                                         6.57             1.35    10.80                                                 16.50            1.46    6.84                                                  19.40            1.47    7.91                                                  20.50            1.48    7.57                                                  36.10            1.55    6.00                                                  55.60            1.65    4.53                                                  ______________________________________                                         Experimental Conditions                                                                         Reactor Feed Composition                                      ______________________________________                                         Total Pressure                                                                            260 psig  Hydrogen      96 psia                                     Rhodium Conc.                                                                             140 ppm   Carbon Monoxide                                                                              96 psia                                     Reactor Temp.                                                                             125° C.                                                                           Propylene     55 psia                                                          Nitrogen      27.5 psia                                   Total Reactor Flow 9.6 liter/minute                                            ______________________________________                                    

These results demonstrate that higher normal/iso ratios (20% increase demonstrated) are obtained when higher ligand concentrations are employed.

EXAMPLE 5 Hydroformylation of Propylene with Tribenzylphosphine and Substituted Tribenzylphosphine-Rhodium Catalysts

A catalyst charge comprised of 15 mg of rhodium (as rhodium 2-ethylhexanoate) and varying amounts of tribenzylphosphine or tribenzylphosphine derivative (as noted in Table 4) dissolved in 0.2 liter of Texanol® solvent was charged to the reactor system described above. The reactor was maintained at 125° C. and operated continuously for seven hours. The reaction was conducted according to the general procedure set forth above. Operating parameters and reaction results are set forth in Table 4.

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         Hydroformylation of Propylene with Rhodium                                     Tribenzylphosphine and Derivatives Thereof                                     ______________________________________                                                                      Intrinsic                                                                      Activity                                                 Substituent   n/iso   lbs Hbu/                                                                              Ligand Conc.                               Run No.                                                                               on Aromatic Ring                                                                             Ratio   g-Rh-hr                                                                               mmol/liter                                 ______________________________________                                         1      p-fluoro      1.42    11.98  20.11                                      2      p-fluoro      1.35    14.05  8.72                                       3      m-fluoro      1.35    14.11  19.72                                      4      3,4-dichloro  1.33    4.93   20.65                                      5      3,4-dichloro  1.19    12.02  8.09                                       6      3,5-dimethyl  1.55    12.69  10.58                                      7      3,5-dimethyl  1.60    9.20   14.08                                      8      m-fluoro      1.30    17.72  8.25                                       9      p-methoxy     1.62    11.61  6.82                                       10     p-methoxy     1.44    19.00  1.57                                       11     p-t-butyl     1.68    12.13  18.19                                      12     p-t-butyl     1.48    20.14  6.28                                       13     p-chloro      1.52    6.34   21.16                                      14     p-chloro      1.27    21.65  5.16                                       15     p-methyl      1.63    10.42  19.76                                      16     p-methyl      1.46    18.23  6.85                                       17     none          1.37    19.26  4.89                                       18     none          1.48    14.81  9.23                                       19     none          1.50    12.32  17.68                                      20     none          1.67    8.73   39.17                                      21     m-methoxy     1.54    13.56  19.24                                      22     3,4-benzo (naphthyl)                                                                         1.40    16.43  2.87                                       23     2,3-benzo (naphthyl)                                                                         1.33    12.00  14.00                                      24     o-methyl      1.26    15.00  20.21                                      ______________________________________                                         Operating Conditions                                                                              Partial Pressures in Feed                                   ______________________________________                                         Rhodium      70 ppm    Hydrogen     95 psia                                    Total Pressure                                                                              260 psig  Carbon monoxide                                                                             95 psia                                    Reactor Temperature                                                                         125°  C.                                                                          Propylene    58 psia                                                           Nitrogen     27 psia                                    Total reactor feed - 9.6 liters/min. @ STP                                     ______________________________________                                    

These data demonstrate the operability of numerous substituted tribenzyl phosphines for the hydroformylation of olefins. Note the wide range of normal/iso ratio products which can be obtained under comparable reaction conditions. Thus, by choice of the appropriate substituted tribenzyl-phosphine, a great deal of control can be exercised over the ultimate hydroformylation product mix.

The invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments thereof. It will be understood, however, that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A catalyst composition comprising a mixture of rhodium components having the structure: ##STR9## wherein Ar is an aromatic ring having 6-14 carbon atoms;each Z is independently: a C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radical; a C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radical; a C₇ up to C₁₂ alkaryl or aralkyl radical; halogen, excluding Cl, Br or I in the ortho position; --OR or --CO₂ R, wherein R is a C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radical, a C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radical, or a C₇ up to C₁₂ alkaryl or aralkyl radical; wherein x is a whole number which varies in the range of 0 up to 4 when Ar is phenyl, 0 up to 6 when Ar is naphthyl and 0 up to 8 when Ar is phenanthryl or anthracenyl; and wherein z is a whole number selected from 2 and
 3. 2. A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein each Ar is --C₆ H₅.
 3. A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein the substituents of the phosphine moiety are selected from the group consisting of:--CH₂ C₆ H₅ ; --CH₂ (o--F--C₆ H₄); --CH₂ (m--Y--C₆ H₄); --CH₂ (p--Y--C₆ H₄); --CH₂ (o--F,p--Y--C₆ H₃); --CH₂ (o,o'--F₂ --C₆ H₃); --CH₂ (o,o'--F₂,p--Y--C₆ H₂), and --CH₂ (C₁₀ H₇); wherein Y is selected from halogens, hydroxy groups, alkoxy groups, esters, alkyl groups or aryl groups.
 4. A catalyst in accordance with claim 1 wherein the phosphine component has a pKa in the range of 3.5 up to 5.3, a cone angle in the range of 160° up to 195° C.
 5. A catalyst in accordance with claim 1 wherein the phosphine component is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR10## wherein Ar is an aromatic ring having 6-14 carbon atoms;each Z is independently: a C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radical; a C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radical; a C₇ up to C₁₂ alkaryl or aralkyl radical; a halogen, excluding Cl, Br or I in the ortho position; --OR or --CO₂ R, wherein R is a C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radical, a C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radical, or a C₇ up to C₁₂ alkaryl or aralkyl radical; and wherein x is a whole number which varies in the range of 0 up to
 4. 6. A catalyst in accordance with claim 4 wherein said phosphine component is tribenzyl phosphine.
 7. A catalyst composition as in claim 1 prepared by contacting, in a suitable solvent, a soluble rhodium compound with at least one phosphine compound having the following generic formula ##STR11## wherein Ar is an aromatic ring having 6-14 carbon atoms;each Z is independently; a C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radical; a C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radical; a C₇ up to C₁₂ alkaryl or aralkyl radical; a halogen, excluding Cl, Br or I in the ortho position; --OR or --CO₂ R, wherein R is a C₁ up to C₁₂ alkyl radical, a C₆ up to C₁₂ aryl radical, or a C₇ up to C₁₂ alkaryl or aralkyl radical; and wherein x is a whole number which varies in the range of 0 up to 4 when Ar is phenyl, 0 up to 6 when Ar is naphthyl and 0 up to 8 when Ar is phenanthryl or anthracenyl; in an atmosphere containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a temperature in the range of 75 up to 125° C. for a time sufficient to cause reduction of at least a portion of the rhodium to Rh°.
 8. A catalyst in accordance with claim 7 wherein said phosphine has a pKa in the range of 3.5 up to 5.3 and a cone angle in the range of 165 up to 175°. 